Hugo von Hoffmannsthal

9.9

An Austrian writer and poet who wrote the words for operas by Richard Strauss

proper noun

: Hugo von Hoffmannsthal

Hugo von Hoffmannsthal wrote the libretto for Richard Strauss's acclaimed opera, 'Der Rosenkavalier.'

Examples

Hugo von Hoffmannsthal collaborated closely with Richard Strauss on many famous operas.
Many consider Hugo von Hoffmannsthal one of the leading figures of early 20th-century Austrian literature.
The works of Hugo von Hoffmannsthal had a profound influence on European theatre and poetry.
The works of Hugo von Hoffmannsthal are celebrated in modern literature.
Hugo von Hoffmannsthal wrote many influential essays.
In addition to libretti, Hugo von Hoffmannsthal also wrote notable plays and essays.
Hugo von Hoffmannsthal was a key figure in the development of modernist literature in Austria.

Surface Forms

Hugo von Hoffmannsthal main

Morphology

Hugo + von + Hoffmannsthal

This is a proper name whose referent (an Austrian poet and dramatist) cannot be derived from the literal meanings of its parts. While 'von' may hint at a German-speaking origin, that clue does not allow a learner to infer the person's identity, profession, or lifespan, so the expression is not transparently interpretable from its constituents.

Etymology

Hugo von Hoffmannsthal was an Austrian writer who 'wrote the words for operas' by the composer Richard Strauss. Thinking of him with a notebook beside Strauss helps you remember that his name stands for an important poet and playwright of the early 1900s.